Selah Tuzo had plenty to celebrate at the weekend.The nine-year old Northlands Primary student was crowned winner of the inaugural Swan’s Running Club Primary School Essay Competition during last Saturday’s award ceremony at the Youth Library.Selah beat out nine other contestants for the top prize.Her winning essay gave reasons why she felt Gina Evans was an inspiration to young people and a national hero.Second place honours went to ten-year-old West End Primary student Dominic Sabir who wrote about top distance runner Albert (Jay) Donawa.Northlands Primary’s Alexcie C Burrows, also ten, rounded off the podium finishers with an essay written about heptathlete Shianne Smith.The purpose of the essay competition was twofold, Swan’s Running Club president Mayberline Black explained.“Swan’s Running Club is trying to bring more of an awareness to running for young children as well as getting them to be more active in research and writing,” she said.The criteria for the competition entailed writing a one-page essay no more than 100 words on any current or past local runner.“The students had to explain why they thought this person should be considered a local hero or an inspiration to young people,” Ms Black added. “They also had to be sure to include the runner’s name and any major accomplishments in their essay.”The winners received cash, movie tickets and gift certificates from Brown & Company. All participants received special treats and a certificate of participation.Although the number of contestants was lower than organisers had hoped for, Ms Black chalked up the competition as a success.“We received ten applications even though we were expecting more,” she said. “But it was a success, the essays were well written and informative and Swan’s Running Club is looking to make this an annual event.”